Graduate Student Resources

University Career Center: Provides resources and services to help students and alumni in all aspects of career preparation (e.g., explore career options, develop resumes/CVs, discuss professional goals, and search for employment). The Career Center also regularly hosts workshops/events and career fairs!

• Schedule a 50-minute in-person appointment or virtual/phone appointment

• For quick questions, drop-in appointments are available (M-Th, 2-3pm) in person and virtually (schedule 30-minute virtual drop-in)

• Location: University Career Center, FMH 342

• Time: M-F, 9am-5pm

Career Exploration by Major: Search for career path ideas by major.

Job & Internship Openings: Use Handshake to search career and internship opportunities available to PSU students.

Networking Resources: Take steps toward building your professional network!

Financial Wellness Resources & Services

Financial Wellness Center: Education, awareness, and 1-on-1 consultations (remote or in-person) with a financial wellness coach. Topics include financial concerns, resolving a debt owed to PSU, understanding the cost of college, budget planning, repairing credit, or repaying student loans.

• Location: FMH, Suite 130 (in-person or remote appointments available)

• Time: Monday-Friday (9am-5pm)

CashCourse: Online personal finance tools and skill-building materials, all geared toward students. CashCourse accounts are free for students! (Not affiliated with PSU)

Government Benefit Finder: Find government benefits and financial help. (Not affiliated with PSU)

PSU Student Deals & Discounts: As a PSU student, you are eligible for discounted services and activities (e.g., museums, movie tickets, music/video-streaming services, etc.).

Emergency Funds

Emergency Funds: Short-term financial assistance for students experiencing unexpected financial hardships are available through the General Student Emergency Fund (GSEF) and by college/department.

PSU Short Term Loans: Actively enrolled students may receive short-term financial loans.

CLAS Student Hardship Fund & Last Mile Fund: Email Carol Gabrielli at cg@pdx.edu with your full name, major/minor, phone number, PSU ID, and a succinct summary of the circumstances that prompt your inquiry.

Graduate Retention & Completion Fund: Admitted graduate students with unexpected financial hardship may qualify for one-time tuition assistance from the Graduate School. Speak to your advisor if you'd like to be considered for the award

Utility/Bill Support

Oregon Energy Fund: For students struggling to pay bills, this provides a one-time payment made directly to your utility provider (up to $399). Make an appointment to complete the application.

• Location: SMSU, 4th floor

• Time: By appointment

Oregon Lifeline Utility Support: Helps reduce monthly home, phone, and internet costs, offering $9.25–$34.25 off monthly bills for eligible households. Eligibility includes income at or below 135% of the poverty line, participation in SNAP or other assistance programs, survivorship of interpersonal violence, residence on tribal lands, or having a qualifying dependent. (Not affiliated with PSU)

• Contact: 1(800) 848-4442

Low Income Heat & Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Helps eligible households pay energy bills by sending payments directly to providers. LIHEAP may also assist with heating system repairs and home weatherization. Eligibility requires income at or below 60% of Oregon’s median income. (Not affiliated with PSU)

• Contact: 1(800) 453-5511

Scholarships & Funding

General Financial Aid & Scholarships: General financial aid information, including:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

• Additional scholarship opportunities

• Oregon Student Access Commission

• Native American Tuition Program (NATP)

Graduate School Funding: Information and resources for graduate students, including:

• Graduate-level scholarships

• Johns Hopkins graduate student funding opportunities

• Financial aid for undocumented and DACA students

Campus Resources

PSU Food Assistance Hub: Central resource for on-campus food resources

Free Food Market: Free food–bring your own bag!

• Location: South Park Blocks behind Shattuck Hall (1914 SW Park Ave.)

• Time: Second Monday of each month, 9:30-11am

PSU Free Food Pantry: Acquire free groceries (or donate)

• Location: SMSU 47a (basement of SMSU)

• Time: See website for updated schedule

SNAP Application Assistance: Support applying to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food benefits to eligible, low-income individuals and families. 

Emergency Meal Vouchers: Distributed during the academic year for use at Victor’s Dining Center in Ondine Hall (1912 SW 6th Ave)

• Location: Obtain the vouchers at the Basic Needs Hub (SMSU 435)

• Time: Monday-Friday (9am-5pm)

Off-Campus Resources (not affiliated with PSU)

Blanchet House: Offers free, hot breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the Founder's Cafe (no eligibility requirements!) (Not affiliated with PSU)

• Location: 310 NW Glisan St.

• Time: Monday-Saturday (6:30am-6pm)

Hand Up Project: A shopping-style food pantry experience, with an emphasis on helping Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQIA+ individuals (but anyone is welcome!). The pantry also includes toiletries. (Not affiliated with PSU)

• Location: 4115 N. Mississippi Ave. Suite D

• Time: Monday & Tuesday (12-4pm) and 4th Saturday (10am-1pm)

Sunshine Division: A shopping-style food pantry experience. They also deliver boxes to your doorstep (up to 2 deliveries per month per household). You can list dietary restrictions, but you do not get to select specific food for box deliveries. Registration opens on Mondays and fills up quickly. (Not affiliated with PSU)

• Location: 687 N Thompson St.

• Time: Tuesday-Friday (9:30-11am & 12:30-3:30pm) and Saturday (9am-1pm)

Housing Services: Central location for all concerns related to housing assistance

Graduate Student Housing (On Campus): Many options for on-campus housing across 7 residential buildings, including sleeper units, studios, and one-bedroom units.

• Location: Housing and Residence Life –Broadway Building, Room 210

Emergency Short-Term Housing: Students may be eligible for 1-3 days of short-term housing.

Affordable Rent for College Students (ARCS) Program: Provides half-priced rent and a waiver of all entry barriers. (Not affiliated with PSU)

College Housing Northwest (CHNW): Convenient, affordable housing for college students in Portland. CHNW's Affordable Rent for College Students (ARCS) Program provides half-priced rent and a waiver of all entry barriers. (Not affiliated with PSU)

Eviction Defense Project: Free legal services for any low income Oregonian in danger of eviction. (Not affiliated with PSU)

• Location: 520 SW 6th Ave. Suite 700

• Contact: (503) 224-4086

• Time: Monday-Friday (9am-12pm; 1-4pm)

Portland Aveda Institute: Low-cost salon & spa services in an educational setting. Aveda students provide discounted services under the supervision of expert instructors such as hair cuts, hair coloring, waxing, nails, facials, etc. (Not affiliated with PSU)

• Location: 323 NW 13th Ave.

• Contact: (503) 294-6000

• Time: Monday-Friday (10am-8pm)

Nordstrom Personal Care Services: Free appointments for a variety of services, such as personalized style advice; makeup, hair, and skincare consultations; and undergarment fittings. Location and times vary; click here to book an appointment. (Not affiliated with PSU)

Career Clothing Closet: Students can shop for gently-used professional clothing, accessories, and shoes at no cost!

• Location: Karl Miller Center, 410

• Contact: sbcareercenter@pdx.edu

• Time: Monday-Thursday (9am-5pm)

North Portland Free Clothing Exchange: A free community event held every month, open to everyone (regardless of gender or age). All sizes of adult and children's clothing are exchanged. No donation is required in order to receive clothing. (Not affiliated with PSU)

• Location: Kenton Church, 2115 N. Lombard St.

• Time: Every third Sunday from 2-4pm (see website and Instagram account for details)

Mind Spa: A space on campus for students to relax and rejuvenate, free of cost. Students enrolled in at least 5 credits are eligible for 3 free Mind Spa visits per term. Engage in the light therapy alcove, biofeedback software, or the massage chair. The Mind Spa also has a meditation and yoga mat/foam rollers, a zen garden, Himalayan salt lamps, white noise, and guided meditation soundtrack to help with relaxation.

• Location: University Center Building, 3rd floor

• Time: Click here to book appointment

• Virtual MindSpa: Online resources for students to relax, rest, and access resources related to mental and physical wellbeing.

General Mental Health Support

Center for Student Health & Counseling (SHAC): Mental health counseling, physical healthcare, and dental services under one roof. Students taking 5+ credits are eligible to use SHAC services regardless of type of health insurance coverage. 

• Location: University Center Building (1880 SW 6th Ave), Suite 200

Mental Health Workshops and Group Counseling: Students can learn from peers and gain mental health support in group settings, facilitated by counselors.

• Drop-in groups and group counseling themes vary by term, so check the website for updates.

SHAC Wellbeing Spaces: Physical spaces on the third floor of SHAC where students can relax, recharge, and de-stress.

• Student Wellbeing Lounge (UCB 340): A communal spot to relax, study, and access health-related resources!

• Peer Recovery Center (UCB 340): Offers 1:1 connection to students in recovery from substance use or interested in exploring recovery. 

• Nap Rooms (UCB 310): Two nap rooms for students to take naps (by appointment or drop-in)

Mind Spa: A space on campus for students to relax and rejuvenate, free of cost. Students enrolled in at least 5 credits are eligible for 3 free Mind Spa visits per term. Engage in the light therapy alcove, biofeedback software, or the massage chair. The Mind Spa also has a meditation and yoga mat/foam rollers, a zen garden, Himalayan salt lamps, white noise, and guided meditation soundtrack to help with relaxation.

• Location: University Center Building, Suite 310

• Time: Click here to book appointment

• Virtual MindSpa: Online resources for students to relax, rest, and access resources related to mental and physical wellbeing.

Crisis Support

PSU CARES: A resource team available to students experiencing various crises (e.g., mental health, financial, housing, academic, medical, family issues etc.). Students submit a CARE referral for themselves or someone else.

• Location: University Center Building, 300

• Time: Monday-Friday (9am-5pm)

SHAC Emergency Mental Health Support: Crisis resources and hotlines for students in acute distress

SHAC Confidential Advocacy: Trauma-informed support for students experiencing dating or intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, or other forms of sexual violence. Schedule a meeting with an advocate or call the confidential advocacy direct line at (503) 725-6994.

Unity Center for Behavioral Health: Provides 24/7 immediate psychiatric care and stabilization for individuals experiencing a mental health emergency. No eligibility requirements; standard healthcare costs apply, with financial assistance available through Legacy Health’s patient assistance program. (Not affiliated with PSU)

• Location: 1225 NE 2nd Ave.

• Time: 24/7

Multnomah County Crisis Line: Provides 24/7 phone support for anyone in crisis, providing immediate assistance, language interpretation, referrals to low-cost health services, and mobile crisis response when needed. (Not affiliated with PSU)

• Crisis Hotline: (503) 988-4888

• Toll-free: 1(800) 716-9769

David Romprey Oregon Warm Line: Provides 24/7 peer support to people in Oregon at no cost. Their website also provides information on behavioral health services in Oregon, materials on the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), and other community resources such as scholarships. (Not affiliated with PSU)

• Hotline: 1(800) 698-2392

Crisis Line for Racial Equity Support: Speak with counselors who are Black, Indigenous, and/or belong to other marginalized racial/ethnic groups. (Not affiliated with PSU)

• Contact: (503) 575-3764

• Time: Monday-Friday (8:30am-5pm)

Center for Student Health & Counseling (SHAC): Physical healthcare, audiology services, and dental services under one roof. Students taking 5+ credits are eligible to use SHAC services regardless of type of health insurance coverage. See website for all services provided.

• Location: University Center Building (1880 SW 6th Ave), Suite 200

SHAC Dental Services: Offers routine and emergency dental healthcare

• Location: University Center Building (527 SW Hall St. Suite 309– enter through 307)

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Outside In: A federally-qualified health center providing comprehensive, inclusive health care through in-person, phone, and video appointments. No one is turned away for inability to pay, and most insurance plans are accepted. (Not affiliated with PSU)

• Location: (Downtown) 1132 SW 13th Ave. or (East Burnside) 16144 E. Burnside St. 

• Time: See website (depends on location)

Pacific Eye Clinic: Provide low-cost eye exams and offer a sliding fee scale based on individual or family income. Contact your local clinic for details and eligibility. (Not affiliated with PSU)

• Location & Time: Multiple locations – see website for details

Prism Health: Compassionate primary and behavioral health care with a focus on LGBTQIA+ communities, providing culturally affirming, high-quality services. No eligibility requirements; standard healthcare costs apply, though sliding scale discounts are available. (Not affiliated with PSU)

• Location: 2236 SE Belmont St. 

• Time: Monday-Friday (9am-5pm)

Crisis Line for Racial Equity Support: Speak with counselors who are Black, Indigenous, and/or belong to other marginalized racial/ethnic groups. (Not affiliated with PSU)

• Contact: (503) 575-3764

• Time: Monday-Friday (8:30am-5pm)

Diversity and Multicultural Student Services: Provides resources and support services to historically underrepresented students

• Location: SMSU 425

• Multicultural Retention Services (MRS): Academic support services to ensure the retention and graduation of students who are first-generation, low-income, and/or from diverse/multicultural backgrounds. Multicultural Student Services are available within the MRS department.

Dreamer Resource Center: Holistic support for immigrant-origin students and allies, including career readiness, financial aid, resource navigation, and community building.

• • Location: Cramer 428

CULTURAL RESOURCE CENTERS

• Provide study spaces, resources, and extensive programming along with student leadership, employment, and volunteer opportunities

• Location: SMSU 228

  • La Casa Latina Student Center: Cultural resource center and physical space for Latinx/e students and allies to build community, develop leadership skills, and participate in cultural, social, and academic events.

    • Location: SMSU 228

  • Multicultural Student Center (MCC): Promotes cultural competency through student engagement, programming, events, and meaningful dialogue, focused on exploring intersectional identities (e.g., multiracial, international, and first-generation college student populations). Provides access to resources such as a computer lab, student leadership opportunities, and space to relax and study. Also offers opportunities to gain leadership experience through volunteer opportunities and paid employment.

    • Location: SMSU 235

  • Native American Student & Community Center (NASCC): Supports the retention and success of Native American, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, and other Indigenous students through student-led, community-centered programming.

    • Location: 710 SW Jackson St.

  • Pacific Islander, Asian, and Asian American (PIAAA) Student Center: Supports the diverse needs of Asian and Pacific Islander communities through culturally responsive programming, community building, and social justice education

    • Location: SMSU 228

  • Middle East, North Africa, South Asia (MENASA) Student Center: Cultural resource center and physical space for MENASA students to build community, develop leadership skills, and participate in cultural, social, and academic events.

    • Location: SMSU 238

  • The Pan-African Commons: A community space that supports students of African, Black American, Caribbean, and Afro-Latinx descent through cultural, academic, and professional programming. Resources include events like Black History Month and Ramadan celebrations, a computer lab, study and lounge spaces, a shared kitchen, and leadership opportunities.

    • Location: SMSU 236

Disability Resource Center (DRC): Identifies, evaluates, and provides appropriate accommodations (e.g., deadline extensions, flexible attendance) for students with learning, physical, mental health, and chronic health disabilities. Also supports students with temporary disabilities (e.g., a broken arm).

• Location: SMSU 116

Academic Testing Services (ATS): As part of the DRC, ATS provides equitable learning assessment, test proctoring support, and exam accommodations. Click here for student testing support FAQs.

See the "Safety & Transportation" section below for disability-friendly transportation services.

Queer Resource Center: Supports students across the gender and sexuality spectrum to eliminate barriers to belonging and academic success.

• Location: SMSU 458

Commission on Sexual & Gender Equity (SAGE): Provides leadership and advocacy as the initiative-based action team for the inclusion of underrepresented sexual and gender identities and expressions at Portland State University.

Women's Resource Center (WRC): A physical lounge, advocacy and programming including student empowerment workshops and resources, leadership programs; support and advocacy for students experiencing sexual violence or harassment. Offers events throughout the term.

• Location: SMSU 439

International Student Services: Immigration advising, life advising, programming, employment info, and support for international students. ISSS advisors are available by appointment.

• Location: Karl Miller Center, 660

Transfer & Returning Student Resource Center: Helps transfer and returning students smoothly transition to PSU, connect with campus resources & services, and support your path to degree completion. They provide academic and career advising, assistance in accessing campus resources, as well as workshops and events.

• Location: Fariborz Maseeh Hall, 342

• Time: 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday

Veteran's Resource Center (VRC): Supports Veterans and Military-affiliated students by providing advocacy, guidance, and resources to help them thrive at PSU. The center offers quiet study spaces, a kitchen and food pantry, coffee, and knowledgeable staff to assist with all aspects of student veteran life.

• Location: SMSU 018 (basement)